The international prevalence study on physical activity: Results from 20 countries

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2009

Authors

Bauman, A (Author) Other; Bull, F (Author) Other; Chey, T (Author) Other; Craig, CL (Author) Other; Ainsworth, BE (Author) Other; Sallis, JF (Author) Other; Bowles, HR (Author) Other; Hagstromer, M (Author) Other; Sjostrom, M (Author) Other; Pratt, M (Author) Other; Diaz, CG (Author) Other; Bazan, N (Author) Other; Kunic, H (Author) Other; Bauman, A (Author) Other; Merom, D (Author) Other; Smith, B (Author) Other; De Bourdeaudhuij, I (Author) Other; Lefevre, J (Author) Other; Philippaerts, R (Author) Other; Matsudo, SM (Author) Other; Matsudo, VR (Author) Other; Craig, CL (Author) Other; Cameron, C (Author) Other; Yang, L (Author) Other; Hua, F (Author) Other; Gomez, LF (Author) Other; Fromel, K (Author) Other; Mitas, J (Author) Other; Macfarlane, D (Author) Other; Bacon Shone, J (Author) Other; Reddy, SK (Author) Other; Joshi, P (Author) Other; Goenka, S (Author) Other; Prabhakaran, D (Author) Other; Katsumura, T (Author) Other; Murase, N (Author) Other; Volbekiene, V (Author) Other; Baubliene, R (Author) Other; McLean, G (Author) Other; Carr, H (Author) Other; Tomten, H (Author) Other; Anderssen, SA (Author) Other; Sardinha, L (Author) Other; mota, j (Author) FADEUP; Al Hazzaa, HM (Author) Other; Serra Majem, L (Author) Other; Roman, B (Author) Other; Sjostrom, M (Author) Other; Hagstromer, M (Author) Other; Bergman, P (Author) Other; Yiing, ML (Author) Other; Yung Tai, H (Author) Other; Ainsworth, BE (Author) Other; Hipp, D (Author) Other

Journal

Title: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity

Vol. 6

Final page: 21

ISSN: 1479-5868

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

Scopus - 282 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-007-Q1Y

DOI: 10.1186/1479-5868-6-21

Abstract (EN): Background: Physical activity (PA) is one of the most important factors for improving population health, but no standardised systems exist for international surveillance. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was developed for international surveillance. The purpose of this study was a comparative international study of population physical activity prevalence across 20 countries. Methods: Between 2002-2004, a standardised protocol using IPAQ was used to assess PA participation in 20 countries [total N = 52,746, aged 18-65 years]. The median survey response rate was 61%. Physical activity levels were categorised as "low", "moderate" and "high". Age-adjusted prevalence estimates are presented by sex. Results: The prevalence of "high PA" varied from 21-63%;in eight countries high PA was reported for over half of the adult population. The prevalence of "low PA" varied from 9% to 43%. Males more frequently reported high PA than females in 17 of 20 countries. The prevalence of low PA ranged from 7-41% among males, and 6-49% among females. Gender differences were noted, especially for younger adults, with males more active than females in most countries. Markedly lower physical activity prevalence (10% difference) with increasing age was noted in 11 of 19 countries for males, but only in three countries for women. The ways populations accumulated PA differed, with some reporting mostly vigorous intensity activities and others mostly walking. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the feasibility of international PA surveillance, and showed that IPAQ is an acceptable surveillance instrument, at least within countries. If assessment methods are used consistently over time, trend data will inform countries about the success of their efforts to promote physical activity. © 2009 Bauman et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific